For more information on the Culture of Poland, visit these two sources:
1.European Cultural Portal (http://ec.europa.eu/culture/portal/sites/members/poland_en.htm)
This site contains much valuable information on Poland's culture. Here you can find out information on everything from architecture and art to the workings of Poland's Ministry of Culture.
2. Poland.pl (http://poland.pl/poland/0,0.html)
This site contains much information and a plethora of pictures depicting Polish culture. Here you can see natural environments, historic landmarks, activities, practical information, places of interest, etc.
1.European Cultural Portal (http://ec.europa.eu/culture/portal/sites/members/poland_en.htm)
This site contains much valuable information on Poland's culture. Here you can find out information on everything from architecture and art to the workings of Poland's Ministry of Culture.
2. Poland.pl (http://poland.pl/poland/0,0.html)
This site contains much information and a plethora of pictures depicting Polish culture. Here you can see natural environments, historic landmarks, activities, practical information, places of interest, etc.
Here is a map depicting the various industrial centers of Poland. (http://images.nationmaster.com/images/motw/europe/poland_ind_1977.jpg)
For information regarding famous Polish landmarks, visit: http://poland.pl/poland/0,125612.html
For information regarding famous Polish landmarks, visit: http://poland.pl/poland/0,125612.html
5 IMPORTANT FACTS
This information gathered via https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pl.html
- Poland's Religious Makeup: 89.8% Roman Catholic, 1.3% Eastern Orthodox, 0.3% Protestant, 0.3% Other, 8.3% Unspecified
- Poland's Language Makeup: 97.8% Polish, 2.2% Other/Unspecified
- Poland's Educational Spending: 5.1% of GDP goes towards Education
- Poland's Population Growth Rate: -0.09%
- Poland's Life Expectancy: Males = 72.56 years, Females = 80.62 years
This information gathered via https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pl.html
This chart shows Poland's median age since the year 1950. Surprisingly, Poland's median age has significantly increased over the last 60 or more years. In fact, Poland's median age has skyrocketed 15 years higher since the 1950s, from around 25 years old, to around 40 years old now, showing a significantly larger older population in Poland.
This chart shows Poland's fertility rate from 1800 till present. It also shows Poland's life expectancy. As you can see from the data, Poland's average child per woman has reduced from approximately 6 children per woman to less than 1.5 children per woman in the last 200 years. Increasing urbanization and modernization has helped drive this trend.
This chart shows Poland's "Democracy score." As you can see from the data, Poland has flip-flopped on both ends of the Democratic and Socialist spectrum. It is interesting to note, however, that Poland's current life expectancy as a Democratic nation is not substantially different than it was at the end of the Soviet Era.
This map shows the different majority religions of Eastern Europa/Western Asia. As you can see, Poland is a "Majority Catholic" nation.
Source: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42370000/gif/_42370274_eu_religion2_416.gif
Source: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42370000/gif/_42370274_eu_religion2_416.gif
This picture depicts the Corpus Christi Church. It is a Gothic church that has been around since the 1300s. (via http://www.sacred-destinations.com/poland/krakow-corpus-christi-church)
This picture depicts the Isaak Synagogue in Krakow, Poland. This is an important place for Jewish people in Poland. It was built in 1664. (via http://www.sacred-destinations.com/poland/krakow-isaak-synagogue)
This picture depicts St. Stanislaw's Church. It was at this site that Bishop Stanislaw was beheaded by order of King Boleslaw in 1079. (via http://www.sacred-destinations.com/poland/krakow-st-stanislaws-church)
POLISH FOOD
Poland has a rich tradition of unique cuisine. Known colloquially for the “polish sausage,” Poland is known for fusing many different food and cooking styles from their nearby neighbors. Russian, German, Jewish, Hungarian, Belarussian, and even Austrian influences can all be found in Polish food.
The backbone of Polish cuisine is in traditional foods, many of which trace their origins back over a thousand years to the early years of the Polish state. Poland is known historically for adhering to tradition when it comes to food. For a nation that underwent so many attacks, invasions, and partitions, the firm Polish grip on Polish tradition is not at all surprising. A few of the national Polish dishes are pierogi (Polish dumplings), sour cucumber soup, sour rye soup, Polish mushroom soup, and kielbasa (Polish sausage). Polish food is known for being hearty, creamy, and rich. Polish food is high in meat and “winter vegetables,” such as cabbage.
Poland has been a historically-Catholic nation. Catholicism inherently establishes a high-level of authority on traditional values. Polish food, likes its religion, has historically been very traditional and slow to change. Polish food, despite its tradition, was deeply affected by Communism. Pre-World War II cookbooks look very different than post-war ones. One 1930s cookbook called for a cake-baking recipe that required 25 eggs and two pounds of butter. However, because of food shortage, Polish food became much more bland and watered-down. Like much of Polish culture, Communism attempted to root out Polish ethno-cultural characteristics in food in favor of “Russified” ones.
However, modern Poland has returned to its traditional roots, albeit with a twist. Many modern chefs are slowly infusing new styles into the already-established Polish dietary norm to create a new modern Polish cuisine. Many of Poland’s meats, fish, and vegetables are locally grown.
Here is a recipe for Polish pierogis:
Directions:
Poland has a rich tradition of unique cuisine. Known colloquially for the “polish sausage,” Poland is known for fusing many different food and cooking styles from their nearby neighbors. Russian, German, Jewish, Hungarian, Belarussian, and even Austrian influences can all be found in Polish food.
The backbone of Polish cuisine is in traditional foods, many of which trace their origins back over a thousand years to the early years of the Polish state. Poland is known historically for adhering to tradition when it comes to food. For a nation that underwent so many attacks, invasions, and partitions, the firm Polish grip on Polish tradition is not at all surprising. A few of the national Polish dishes are pierogi (Polish dumplings), sour cucumber soup, sour rye soup, Polish mushroom soup, and kielbasa (Polish sausage). Polish food is known for being hearty, creamy, and rich. Polish food is high in meat and “winter vegetables,” such as cabbage.
Poland has been a historically-Catholic nation. Catholicism inherently establishes a high-level of authority on traditional values. Polish food, likes its religion, has historically been very traditional and slow to change. Polish food, despite its tradition, was deeply affected by Communism. Pre-World War II cookbooks look very different than post-war ones. One 1930s cookbook called for a cake-baking recipe that required 25 eggs and two pounds of butter. However, because of food shortage, Polish food became much more bland and watered-down. Like much of Polish culture, Communism attempted to root out Polish ethno-cultural characteristics in food in favor of “Russified” ones.
However, modern Poland has returned to its traditional roots, albeit with a twist. Many modern chefs are slowly infusing new styles into the already-established Polish dietary norm to create a new modern Polish cuisine. Many of Poland’s meats, fish, and vegetables are locally grown.
Here is a recipe for Polish pierogis:
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons processed cheese sauce
- salt/pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, sour cream, eggs, egg yolk and oil. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour until well blended. Cover the bowl with a towel, and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place potatoes into a pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, and mash with shredded cheese and cheese sauce while still hot. Season with onion salt, salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
- Separate the perogie dough into two balls. Roll out one piece at a time on a lightly floured surface until it is thin enough to work with, but not too thin so that it tears. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter, perogie cutter, or a glass. Brush a little water around the edges of the circles, and spoon some filling into the center. Fold the circles over into half-circles, and press to seal the edges. Place perogies on a cookie sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to freezer storage bags or containers.
- To cook perogies: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop perogies in one at a time. They are done when they float to the top. Do not boil too long, or they will be soggy! Remove with a slotted spoon.